On May 18, the BCISD Executive Team gathered at Shady Grove Elementary School with balloons, pom-poms, clackers, flowers and presentation checks to celebrate From Page 1 three newly designated teachers through the statewide Teacher Incentive Allotment.
Educators
At 9:30 a.m., the celebration incentive team entered the recipients’ classrooms, surprising Amalia Koschtial, Debra Lancaster and Patricia Peña to offer congratulations.
The classroom visits marked a districtwide celebration of a significant professional achievement. Koschtial, Lancaster, and Peña each earned the “Recognized” level of designation by becoming National Board Certified Teachers, making them eligible for additional state compensation each year for five years.
Checks for the new 2025-2026 designations are expected to be issued later this summer.
By completing the National Board Certification process, Koschtial, Lancaster, and Peña have joined an elite group of educators representing only about 0.5% of Texas public school teachers. “National Board Certification is considered to be the gold standard of teacher certification because of the rigorous process that involves study, portfolio submissions, and formal assessments. We are so proud of these teachers who have blazed a trail and achieved this honor,” said BCISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Rachel Jones.
The teachers completed the National Board process while participating in BCISD’s first district- sponsored cohort. The up-front costs for components and exam attempts were covered through scholarships from the BCISD Education Foundation. Additional cohorts of BCISD teachers are currently working toward National Board Certification, with the newest group set to launch in June.
BCISD is also working toward state approval for additional pathways to locally designate teachers through the Teacher Incentive Allotment.
